2nd Signal chat reveals Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth messaging about Yemen strikes with family members, ABC News sources say
Share this @internewscast.com

Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared details about an imminent attack on Houthis in Yemen in March in a second group chat using the messaging app Signal that included his wife, his brother and his personal lawyer two sources familiar with the contents of the chat told ABC News.

Those details shared in the second chat included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets involved in the pending attack on Houthi positions, according to the officials. The New York Times was first to report Hegseth’s sharing of the details in a second Signal group.

The sharing of the details reportedly occurred around the same time in mid-March when key members of President Donald Trump’s National Security Council, including Hegseth, inadvertently shared details about the March 15 missile strike in Yemen with the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting with El Salvador's Minister of National Defense Rene Merino Monroy at the Pentagon, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Washington.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting with El Salvador’s Minister of National Defense Rene Merino Monroy at the Pentagon, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Washington.

(AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Much of the same content was shared in the second encrypted chat with family members and others — a chat group that Hegseth had created on his personal phone during his confirmation process, the two officials told ABC News.

Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Hegseth, does not work for the Defense Department.

His brother, Phil Hegseth, works as a senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security and is detailed to the Defense Department. Tim Parlatore, Hegseth’s personal attorney, works at the Pentagon as a Navy reservist assigned to Hegseth’s office.

ABC News has reached out to the Pentagon for comment, but has not yet received a response.

Sources confirmed with ABC News that the second known Signal chat was originally created to discuss scheduling and administrative information.

The Pentagon’s independent inspector general is evaluating Hegseth’s use of the Signal app “to determine the extent to which the Secretary of Defense and other DoD personnel complied with DoD policies and procedures” to conduct official business, the acting inspector general, Steven Stebbins, said in a notification letter to Hegseth.

The Trump administration has repeatedly refuted the idea that any classified information was shared in the first known chat thread; however, several former U.S. officials have contended that the sharing of such information over unapproved channels could at a minimum put troops overseas at risk.

Its use to divulge sensitive military operations may complicate ongoing investigations into potential leaks involving the first known group chat, which included top aides and other members of Pete Hegseth’s team — at least three of whom have been since fired in relation to the inquiry.

Those officials — Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll and Darin Selnick — have since spoken out against what they say are baseless accusations against them.

“At this time, we still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of ‘leaks’ to begin with,” they said in a joint statement on X on April 19.

John Ullyot, the Pentagon’s former top spokesman, on Sunday published an opinion piece in Politico where he described “a month of total chaos at the Pentagon.”

“From leaks of sensitive operational plans to mass firings, the dysfunction is now a major distraction for the president – who deserves better from his senior leadership,” he wrote.

“Hegseth is now presiding over a strange and baffling purge that has left him without his two closest advisers of over a decade – Caldwell and Selnick – and without chiefs of staff for him and his deputy,” Ullyot wrote.

“Even strong backers of the secretary like me must admit: The last month has been a full-blown meltdown at the Pentagon – and it’s becoming a real problem for the administration,” he added.

“President Donald Trump has a strong record of holding his top officials to account,” wrote Ullyot. “Given that, it’s hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer.”

Ullyot left the Pentagon late last week after having been sidelined after he controversially defended the removal of Jackie Robinson information from a DOD website.

He said earlier this week that he had left the Pentagon on his own accord, while a senior defense official told ABC News that Ullyot was asked to resign.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump sends Vance to voicemail at political rally—but eventually gets prez on the line

Trump Initially Sends Vance to Voicemail at Political Rally, But Later Connects with Former President

At a rousing rally in support of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban,…
Republicans dash Dem hopes of upset in race for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s old seat

Republicans Secure Victory, Crushing Democratic Hopes in Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Former District

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, Republicans successfully defended a key congressional seat, thwarting…
ICE involved in shooting after agency says illegal immigrant gang member tried to ram officer

ICE Officer Opens Fire After Alleged Attempted Attack by Suspected Gang Member

An alleged gang member, reportedly in the U.S. illegally and sought for…
ICE nabs 5 illegal immigrants wanted for murder abroad in New England crackdown

ICE Apprehends Five International Murder Suspects in New England Operation

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Boston has recently apprehended five individuals…
City’s BLM-era mental health push puts cops in danger after sword-wielding suspect stabs officer: police

BLM-Era Mental Health Reform: Are Police Officers at Greater Risk After Recent Sword Attack?

In the wake of the George Floyd tragedy and the subsequent Black…
Inside LA's homeless mini town as tiny houses with TVs are illegally sold for $100

Exploring LA’s Unauthorized Tiny House Market: Miniature Homes with TVs Sold for $100

In the midst of Los Angeles’ sprawling homelessness crisis, an unorthodox community…
Video shows Nantong Forest Safari Park dancer engulfed in flames

Dancer in Flames at Nantong Forest Safari Park: Shocking Video Emerges

A startling incident unfolded at a Chinese zoo when a dancer, performing…
Trans researcher j wallace skelton roasted for absurd pronouns

Trans Researcher j wallace skelton Faces Backlash Over Unconventional Pronouns: A Controversial Debate Unfolds

A Canadian academic known for advocating the creation of “queer- and trans-centered…
Safety-net hospitals in peril: Details about financial chaos at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Illinois emerge

Financial Crisis Unfolds at West Suburban Medical Center: What It Means for Oak Park’s Safety-Net Hospitals

OAK PARK, Ill. — As the story unfolds regarding the shutdown of…
'Conspiracies & Coverups' reveal truth behind NJ drone mystery

Unveiling the NJ Drone Mystery: ‘Conspiracies & Coverups’ Exposes Hidden Truths

Last fall, New Jersey became the focal point of national intrigue as…
Activists say they'll sue Chicago Housing Authority for violating Open Meetings Act after Keith Pettigrew selected as new CEO

Activists to File Lawsuit Against Chicago Housing Authority Over Alleged Open Meetings Act Violation in CEO Selection

In Chicago, a coalition of activists is preparing to take legal action…
California lottery accidentally releases winner’s address

California Lottery Under Fire for Accidental Release of Winner’s Address, Sparking Privacy Concerns

The California Lottery recently acknowledged an error in which they accidentally disclosed…